DigitalBlast to Start Development of AMAZ Alpha, a Compact Life Science Experiment Device for Cell Experiments on the ISS – Aiming to Expand Diverse Space Experiment Services from Plant Experiments to Cells, Proteins, and Three-Dimensional Cultures.
February 8, 2023
DigitalBlast to Start Development of AMAZ Alpha, a Compact Life Science Experiment Device for Cell Experiments on the ISS – Aiming to Expand Diverse Space Experiment Services from Plant Experiments to Cells, Proteins, and Three-Dimensional Cultures.
Development Background
In recent years, manned space exploration, including NASA’s Artemis program, has been gaining momentum, and there is a growing awareness of the challenges of securing food and cultivating plants in space environments. While it has become clear that the microgravity environment of the ISS and others has a significant impact on plant growth, the effects of low-gravity environments such as the moon and Mars on plant cultivation are not yet fully understood. In light of this situation, DigitalBlast has launched the “NOAH” project aimed at building an ecological circulation maintenance system on the lunar surface. As the first step of the project, we have developed “AMAZ,” a compact life science experiment device primarily for plant physiology research to obtain basic data on biological gravity responses through cultivation and culture in various gravity environments. We aim to install and operate it on the ISS in 2024.
Today, as humanity’s foray into space accelerates, it is necessary to understand the effects of the space environment on cells, in addition to plant cultivation. Therefore, as a new initiative of the “NOAH” project, we have decided to develop “AMAZ Alpha,” a compact life science experiment device specialized for cell culture experiments in a microgravity environment.
About the Compact Life Science Experiment Device “AMAZ Alpha”
This device, designed with the usability of AMAZ in mind, is a compact space experiment device intended for cell experiments. Like AMAZ, it can replicate various gravity environments, including the moon’s gravity, which is one-sixth of Earth’s, by changing the rotation speed, allowing for simultaneous comparison. Through cultivation under diverse gravity conditions, we will obtain basic data on cellular gravity responses.
Previous space experiments involving cell culture required operations and tasks by astronauts, such as exchanging culture media. This device is equipped with an automatic liquid dispensing function for culture media and reagents, reducing the workload of astronauts. Additionally, it is planned to incorporate a fluorescence observation device for cell observation. The built-in fluorescence observation device will allow observation of cellular changes in the experimental environment, completing the experiment within the device.
We are advancing the research and development of this device with the aim of launching it to the ISS around 2025. The device we develop will be provided as an experimental environment for private companies and research institutions.
Image of the Compact Life Science Experiment Device “AMAZ Alpha”
About the Future Deployment of Space Experiment Services for Project “NOAH”
In addition to AMAZ for plant science experiments and AMAZ Alpha for cell experiments, and “TAMAKI,” which is intended for higher plant cultivation experiments and equipped with a watering function, we are drawing up a roadmap to expand our experimental devices to meet the needs of various life science fields in space experiments.
We plan to develop a portable incubator that controls the surrounding temperature environment to conduct space experiments on protein crystal growth. This device will allow experiments under precise temperature control environments by housing AMAZ and AMAZ Alpha. Furthermore, we are envisioning “AMAZ Omega” to provide three-dimensional culture experiments using iPS cells, among others. We will continue to develop space experiment devices specialized for experimental purposes.
About DigitalBlast, Inc.
DigitalBlast is on a mission to redefine the value of space with its motto, “Make Space Valuable.” To enhance the worth of Japan’s space sector, it’s crucial to develop a variety of revenue streams that extend beyond BtoG (business-to-government) transactions. Boasting a diverse team skilled in business strategy, digital technology, and promotion, we take pride in our comprehensive solutions. Our goal is to expand our clients’ revenue options and forge new value within the space industry.
Company Name: DigitalBlast Inc.
Office: Jinbocho mitsui building 19F,1-105 Kanda Jinbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0051, Japan
Representative: Shingo Horiguchi (CEO)
Established: December 2018
Website: https://digitalblast.co.jp/
Business Content: Planning, design, and support for corporate transformation, development and support of digital technology, integrated marketing services, digital marketing services, internet advertising services, video production and distribution.